Visiting Lang & Heyne in Dresden
5th April, 2024
Dresden, a city steeped in history, unfolded before The Lavish Attic team. The echoes of centuries past resonated in every cobblestone street, every Baroque palace. Amidst this tapestry of time, they sought a different kind of history, one woven with threads of meticulous craftsmanship.
Their destination: Lang & Heyne. For generations, this atelier had stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of German horology. Within its walls, time was not merely measured, but sculpted with the utmost care. Each watch is a masterpiece in the making, bearing the imprint of skilled hands.
The team is warmly welcomed by Jens Schneider, Development Director and Gülsen Tel, Sales Director. It's finally our turn to send greetings to Dresden in person.
Friedrich II Remontoir The Lavish Attic Edition
Our primary focus during our visit was to witness the intricate journey of our Friedrich II Remontoir "The Lavish Attic Edition" into existence. This is no ordinary timepiece; it's a testament to pioneering watchmaking. We owe a huge thank you to Lang & Heyne for realizing several world-firsts for our watch: a black enamel dial carved from a single block of material, a Remontoir mechanism uniquely positioned within the small seconds, and a revolutionary movement forged entirely from titanium.
We were granted exclusive access to a master watchmaker's bench, where we witnessed the rigorous checks and balances each movement undergoes. Titanium Grade 2, a material few watchmakers dare to tame due to its extreme hardness, became Lang & Heyne's canvas. The result? A masterpiece. Picture the sheer dedication required to polish this unforgiving metal. Each chamfer receives meticulous hand-polishing, a delicate dance of wood and polishing paste. The material's unusual friction characteristics demanded a complete rethinking of component design, leading to the ingenious incorporation of separate bronze bearings for the barrel and winding stem. This challenging material, while difficult to work with, opens up exciting possibilities such as line graining and hand engraving.
This is a breathtaking timepiece, a work of art for the wrist.
Flamming the hands blue
The Lavish Attic team stood mesmerized as they witnessed a spectacle of alchemical transformation. Before their eyes, a master craftsman began the intricate process of bluing steel hands.
The raw steel, initially gleaming silver, was carefully placed into the intense heat. A charming dance of colors ensued – a breathtaking transition from cool steel to gold, then a vibrantly warm, luxurious blue, avoid falling into purple and brown.
This transformation, however, was far from accidental. It demanded an unparalleled level of skill and precision. The master, his movements fluid and deliberate, meticulously controlled the temperature, adjusting the heat with the utmost care. Recognizing that even the slightest variation could ruin the delicate process, he ensured that the head and tip of each hand experienced precisely controlled temperatures, resulting in a consistent and uniform blue color.
Hands-flaming tool
After setting to correct colour, the hands will be polished by hand
Enamelling
Then we were graciously welcomed by Annett Boettner, a master enamel artist, whose hands is a testament to years of patient dedication. As she guided us through the champlevé process, we were mesmerized. The delicate dance of light and shadow as the engraver's tools carved intricate patterns into the metal. The vibrant explosion of color as the enamel, like precious jewels, filled the recessed depths.
However, it was the colour testing and firing process that truly showcased the artistry. Ms. Boettner explained that achieving the desired hue was a delicate dance between temperature, time, and the subtle variations in the enamel composition. Even the slightest deviation could result in an unexpected and potentially disastrous outcome. Years of meticulous experimentation and countless trials were necessary to master this delicate balance, a testament to the unwavering dedication and artistic intuition of the Lang & Heyne artisans.
At Lang & Heyne, every individual is not just a name on a payroll; they are respected artisans, each contributing their unique expertise to the creation of exceptional timepieces. There's a palpable sense of pride in their work, a deep understanding that their skills are essential to the brand's identity. Jens firmly believes that the meticulous work of professionally trained watchmakers is irreplaceable. Even seemingly simple tasks, like polishing, require a level of skill and experience that cannot be replicated by machines or untrained hands. It's this dedication to traditional craftsmanship, honed through rigorous training and years of experience, that truly sets Lang & Heyne apart.
Our visit to Lang & Heyne has come to a close, and we leave feeling incredibly inspired. It was a pleasure to spend time with Jens and Gülsen, sharing insights and enjoying some much-appreciated cake. Seeing the expansion of their workspace firsthand was truly impressive, demonstrating their continued investment in the future of watchmaking. The addition of new talent to the team is also a testament to their growth and ambition. We believe Lang & Heyne is poised for even greater achievements, and we're thrilled to be a part of their journey. We're confident that our ongoing collaboration will yield exciting new projects, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership.
